The Camarillo area has seen a spike in thefts of Catalytic Converters from underneath of cars. Catalytic Converters are an essential component in vehicles to prevent engine exhaust gasses from polluting the environment. These components contain precious metals that fetch high prices when recycled. Many contain platinum that can bring more than $1,000 per ounce.
The theft of catalytic converters is easy because removal is often as simple as removing a few bolts. The thieves can conceal their actions because the converters are underneath of the car.
Very High Replacement Costs
Some vehicle makes and models are bigger targets because of the value of the catalytic converter and the ease of removal. For example, currently Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia are very common targets. To replace a catalytic converter can cost as much as $1500 to $2500.
Here’s How Camarillo Car Care is Helping You Deter a Theft in Your Vehicle
We’ve been in communication with the Camarillo Police Department on the topic. With their guidance, we have started a program that will make the theft of your catalytic converter much less likely. The service is free and must be scheduled. The service involves two parts.
First, we engrave your license plate number into the catalytic converter. This will help police connect your vehicle to your catalytic converter. Also, an engraved license number acts as a deterrent to theft because the thief knows they will have trouble selling it on the black market.
Second, we will paint with high-temperature paint, in large lettering , the word POLICE. When a thief slides under a car to steal the catalytic converter and sees the word POLICE, they will move on to the next vehicle.
Additional Help We Provide
For vehicles with catalytic converters that can easily be unbolted, we offer a low-fee service. For a small charge (probably around $40) we can add tack welds to the mounting surface on your converter. The thief may still be able to remove the bolts, but they won’t be able to remove the converter without using a grinder or a torch.
Of course, for vehicles that have experienced a theft, we provide the service to replace them for you. Additionally, we will perform this extra service of tack welding at no additional charge so you can prevent the problem in the future.
Please call to schedule an appointment.
These services are while-you-wait services. Additionally, if you are a current Camarillo Car Care customer, and you would like to have this service performed, please ask your service advisor on your next visit.